EFFECTS OF CUTTING STAGES ON RE-GROWTH DRY MATTER

International Journal of Agriculture, Environment and Bioresearch

Vol. 3, No. 06; 2018

ISSN: 2456-8643

www.ijaeb.org Page 276

EFFECTS OF CUTTING STAGES ON RE-GROWTH DRY MATTER PRODUCTION

AND NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF FIVE WINTER CEREAL CULTIVARS IN MOLOTO

DISTRICT GAUTENG AND NOOIGEDACHT, MPUMALANGA PROVINCE

Patrick N Rakau1*, Chris. S Dannhauser1, and Jorrie J Jordaan1

1School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, P/bag x 1106,

Sovenga, 0727, South Africa 2Agricultural Research Council, Animal Production Institute, Forage Breeding, Cedara, 3245, South Africa

ABSTRACT

A shortage in winter grazing is the major problem on most farms in South Africa. Animals loose

weight in winter, which leads to low reproduction, production of milk, mutton and meat. The

emphasis of this study was to look into the effect of cutting stages on re-growth dry matter

production and nutritional value of five different cultivars. The study was conducted 2007. Two

planting dates were used February in Mpumalanga and April in Gauteng respectively. Cultivars

(Witteberg oats, Overberg oats, LS 35 rye, LS 62 stooling rye and Cloc 1 Triticale) were planted

in three replications. Each main plot was divided in five split-plots with different cutting

treatments. Five cutting treatments were applied in five split plots: Sub-plot A was cut 8 weeks

after planting, and after that re-growth was cut every six weeks. (Ct 8), Sub-plot B was cut 10

weeks after planting, and after re-growth was cut every six weeks. (Ct 10), Sub-plot C was cut 12

weeks after planting, and after re-growth was cut every six weeks. (Ct 12), Sub-plot D was cut

14 weeks after planting, and after re-growth was cut every six weeks. (Ct 14), Sub-plot E was cut

when more than 50% of plants were in the reproductive stage (RS). The study found, planted in

April LS 62 stooling rye and Cloc 1 triticale can be described as a late winter/spring producing

cultivars. LS 62 and Cloc 1 triticale were on average the highest producers (Above 6.0 t/ha)

when defoliated initially 14 weeks after planting and two re-growth cuts was achieved in very

treatment.. On average, this defoliation treatment (Ct 14) resulted in the highest production for

all cultivars. The acid detergent fibre (ADF %) of all five cultivars was below 30%, in the young

stages. During the mature stage the ADF percentage of LS 62 stooling rye, Witteberg and

Overberg oats rose higher than 30%. The neutral detergent fibre (NDF %) of all five cultivars

was below 45% in the young stage. During the mature stage, the NDF percentage of LS 62

stooling rye, Witteberg and Overberg oats were higher than 50%. The crude protein content was

in most cases above 14 %, except Witteberg and Overberg oats, in a young stage and Overberg

oats and LS 62 stooling rye in a mature stage. These high nutritional values are indicators that

animals grazing this winter fodder will be able to gain weight and increase their production in

winter. Under the cool climate of Mpumalanga, LS 35 and LS 62 cultivars could be classified as

early to mid-winter producers, loc 1 triticale and Witteberg oats as mid-winter producers and

Overberg oats as late winter producer.


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Keywords: cultivar (C), cutting stages, dry matter (DM), re-growth, reproductive stage (RS),

sub-plot

1. INTRODUCTION

The population growth between 1976 and 2011 in South Africa has increased. With a population

growth rate among the highest in the world, the population is expected to double within the next

two to three decades. The growing human population will place an increasing pressure on the

natural agricultural resources and we have to work for food security (Pretorius et al, 1976).

According to Dannhauser (1991) shortage of adequate, good quality herbage during the winter

months is one of the biggest problems confronting the stock farmer in the summer rainfall areas.

Animal scientists agree that poor winter feed is responsible for the generally low animal

production in South Africa (Dannhauser, 1991). In the lower rainfall areas where sweet veld is

available during winter, feeding of animals is less of a problem because quality is less of a

problem. Quantity presents the biggest problem (Dannhauser, 1991).

In crop production areas (high rainfall area) farmers rely on crop residues, especially maize, to a

large extend for winter survival, (Dannhauser, 1991) but this is not possible in Limpopo Province

with its low rainfall. In general, provision of fodder for the late winter and autumn remains a

problem. Besides crop residues and rested veld, livestock farmers in Limpopo Province could

also use conserved foggage, hay and silage (Van Zyl, 2006). Farmers with irrigation or limited

irrigation can make use of winter cereal crops like oats, rye and Triticale for winter feeding,

which was the topic of this study. Livestock production is the most important agricultural

activity in South Africa and accounts for more than 40% of the total value of the agricultural

output (World Bank 2002, as cited by Anon 2004). Beef cattle producers vary from highly

sophisticated commercial farmer (who rely on high technology) to communal subsistence

producers (who rely on indigenous knowledge and appropriate technology). Two major groups

of beef cattle farmers therefore co-exist in South Africa (Anon, 2004), namely:

a)The commercial beef producer, with production relatively high and who compare well with

developed countries. Commercial beef cattle production is generally based on synthetic breeds

and crossbreeding, using Indicus/ Sanga types and their crosses.

b)The emerging beef cattle farmer, who own or lease land, cattle generally consist of indigenous

crossbred types.

Both sectors are characterized by limited financial resources, land and technical skills. In the

higher rainfall areas of South Africa, many farmers normally face a forage shortage in autumn,

after the summer grasses have reached maturity. Winter cereal crops such as oats (Avenasativa),

triticale (Triticale hexaploide) and rye (Secalecereale), are cultivated under both irrigated and

dryland conditions to meet this need. Most of the rye grown in South Africa had the

disadvantage of seedling in autumn and is then less acceptable to grazing animals. Where


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irrigation is available Italian rye grass (L. multiflorum)is also used especially for dairy cattle and

fat lambs (Bruckner & Raymer, 1990).

2.MATERIAL AND METHODS

2.1.Experimental Sites

The research was done at two different localities in two different provinces.

2.1.1. Dewageningsdrift (DWD) Gauteng

The research was doneDewageningsdrift, is the Hygrotech Seed Company’s Experimental Farm

and is situated along the R 573 route between Pretoria and KwaMhlanga, approximately 5 km

from Moloto village. While the Long Term Average (LTA) meteorological data of the Animal

Production Institute, Roodeplaat (ARC) stated, The Institute is approximately 10 km from DWD.

The soil varies from sandy to sandy-loam and at the South western corner of the farm loose

stones do occur. Frost occurs during May to August with the highest intensity in July.

Temperatures of below 10oC (LTA) occur from May to September with the lowest of 2.3oC in

July. The warmest months are October to March with a long term average ranging from 29.1-

30.2oC. The LTA rainfall is 562.3 mm per annum. It peaks from October to March, with the

highest (140.5 mm) in January. The experimentwas done in 2007 and two main treatments were

used: five annual winter fodder crops and five cutting treatments.

Randomly six large blocks distributed over the Experimental Farm. The same fodder species and

cutting treatments were used in the six large blocks;however, the statistical analysis were done.

The layout within large block (planting date) was a randomized block design with split-plots.

Fifteen plots were used (large block): 5 fodder crops x 3 replications (small blocks). The five

plots (fodder crops) in each replication (small block) were randomized and each plot was divided

into five sub-plots (not randomized) to apply the six cutting treatments.Three different winter

cereals (including five different cultivars) were used in the experiment: Two oats (Avenasativa)

cultivars: Witteberg oats (C1),Overberg oats (C2), Two stooling rye (Secalecereale) cultivars:LS

35 stooling rye (C3),LS 62 stooling rye (C4) and One triticale (Triticale hexploide) cultivar:Cloc

1 triticale (C5).Five cutting treatments were applied in the five split plots:Sub-plot A (Ct 8):

Was cut initially 8weeks after planting, and after that regrowth was cut every six weeks. Sub-plot

B (Ct 10): was cut initially 10 weeks after planting, and after that re-growth was cut every six

weeks. Sub-plot C (Ct 12): Was cut 12 initially weeks after planting, and after that re-growth was

cut every six weeks.Sub-plot D (Ct 14): Was cut initially 14 weeks after planting, and after that

re-growth was cut every six weeks. Sub-plot E (Ct RS): Was cut when more than 50% of plants

were in the reproductive stages.

The individual plots (fodder crops) were 1.5 m x 7.0 m (10.5m2) in size. The subplots were 1.5

m x 1.0 m, with 50 cm spaces between each sub-plot. The cutting treatment data was cut in a 100

cm x 100 cm square. The time of the first cut in each sub-plot (A to D). Re-growth on each sub-


Vol. 3, No. 06; 2018

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plot was cut at intervals of six weeks starting from the first cut that was applied. The sub-plots

were hand cut to a height of 5cm.Data was analysed using the statistical program GenStat®

(Payne et al, 2009). Results were compared against each by using an ANOVA and the Fischer’s

protected LSD.

2.1.2. Nooitgedacht ADC Ermelo (Mpumalanga)

The same cultivars that were used at Dewageningsdrift were used on Nooitgedacht Agricultural

Development Center (ADC). Only one planting date was applied which was 02 February 2007.

A randomized block design was used, with five winter fodder crops in randomized plots and

three replications (blocks). The five cutting cycles were not used as cutting treatments and were

only used to illustrate a seasonal production trend. The material was cut initially when it reached

grazing stage (± 50 - 60 cm high) and after that re-growth was cut every month (4 weeks).The

size of each grass plot was 2 m x 8 m (16m2) and the data was collected in a plot of 7x1 m

(7m2).

The material was cut with sickle bar motorized machine with a cutting width of 1 m. The cutting

height was 8 cm. The length of the strip that was cut was 7 m per plot, which meant a plot size of

7m2. The area outside the experimental strip (of each bigger plot) was cut directly after each data

collection. During the season which started in May 2007 and ended in September 2007 five cuts

per plot were made.

Data was analysed using the statistical program GenStat® (Payne et al, 2009). The data was

acceptably normal with homogeneous treatment variances. Treatment means were separated

using Fisher’s protected t-test least significant difference (LSD) at the 5 % level of significance

(Payne et al, 2009)

2.1.2.Chemical analysis

The chemical analysis was done according to the Van Soest (1965) method by the accredited

Feed laboratory of the KwaZulu Natal Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs.

The parameters that were evaluated were the crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and

neutral detergent fiber (NDF), that is according to Kalu and Fick (1983) and Fick and Mueller

(1989) some of the most important parameters to evaluates fodder.

3. RESULTS

3.1. Dewageningsdrift Results

Table 1 represents the total DM production (initial cut + regrowth) of plots that were planted on

the 5thApril 2007. The initial cutting dates for the different cutting treatments were: Ct 8 on the

31st May; Ct 10 on the 14th June; Ct 12 on the 28th June and Ct 14 on the 12th July 2007.

Table 1: The influence of cutting treatment on the total DM (t/ha) production of the

different winter pasture cultivars, planted on the 5thApril 2007 at Dewageningsdrift


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* Ct 8 on the 31st May; Ct 10 on the 14th June; Ct 12 on the 28th June and Ct 14 on the 12th

July 2007

The interaction between cultivars and cutting treatments influenced DM yields significantly (P≤

0.001). Comparing the results, in Table 1, with LSD of 2.16 three production groups was

identified. LS 62 stooling rye (Ct 14) produced 6.38 t/ha and Cloc 1 triticale produced 6.6 t/ha

and 8.49 t/ha at the Ct 14 treatment and the reproduction stage respectively. These three values

form the highest production group. The DM production of an intermediate group varied between

3.54 and 5.68 t/ha and did not differ significantly from each other.

The production of the third group varied between 0.78 and 3.18 t/haand also did not differ

significantly from each other. If the productions of the three mentioned groups (Table 1) are

compared, a tendency exists that most cultivars produced the highest when cut for the first time

at 14 weeks (Ct 14). This corresponded with the average production for Ct 14, as main effect,

which was 5.44 t/ha and significantly higher (P≤0.008) than the production of the other cutting

treatments. Cultivars and cutting treatments (as main effects) both influenced DM production

significantly (P≤0.026 and P≤0.008, respectively).

The average production for Cloc 1 triticale and LS 62 stooling rye (cultivar as main effect) did

not differ significantly (P≤0.026) and were 4.99 and 4.10 t/ha, respectively, followed by

Witteberg oats with 3.65 t/ha. The average production of Cloc 1 triticale (4.99 t/ha) differed

significantly from that of Overberg oats (2.62 t/ha), but not significantly from that of LS 62 rye

(4.1 t/ha), Witteberg oats (3.65 t/ha) and LS 35 rye (3.38 t/ha).

3.1.1 The re-growth production for each cultivar and cutting treatment.

Cultivars Cutting treatments Averages

for

cultivars Ct 8 +

Regrowth

Ct 10 +

Regrowth

Ct 12 +

Regrowth

Ct 14 +

Regrowth

Reprod

stage

Witteberg 3.26 2.72 4.12 5.68 2.50 3.65bc

Overberg 2.27 2.51 2.59 3.89 1.86 2.62c

LS 35 3.54 3.66 4.25 4.65 0.78 3.38bc

LS 62 3.67 3.92 4.36 6.38 2.17 4.10ab

Cloc 1 3.18 2.89 3.78 6.60 8.49 4.99a

Average 3.18b 3.14b 3.82b 5.44a 3.16b

LSD

Interaction 2.16

Cultivars 1.28

Cutting treatments 1.18


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R2 = 0.934

R2 = 0.879

R2 = 0.9215

R2 = 0.8452

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

3.5

01-Apr 21-May 10-Jul 29-Aug 18-Oct 07-Dec

Cutting dates

t/h

a

Ct 8

Ct 10

Ct 12

Ct 14

Poly. (Ct 8)

Poly. (Ct 10)

Poly. (Ct 12)

Poly. (Ct 14)

Figure 3.1.1.1: The influence of cutting treatment on the re-growth of Witteberg oats planted on

05 April 2007.

According to Figure 3.1.1.1,Witteberg oats cut at (Ct 8) reached an optimum re-growth of 1.1

t/ha in August and after that declined. When Witteberg oats was cut at (C10) it reached an

optimum re-growth of 1.3 t/ha during early July and declined after that. Cutting at Ct 12 resulted

in an out re-growth of 2.0 t/ha at the end of August and after that it did not decline as much as in

the case of the other cutting treatments. Witteberg oats, cut at Ct 14, reached an optimum re-

growth of 2.7 t/ha at the end of July and after that it declined.

According to results in Figure 3.1.1.2, Overberg oats, cut 8 weeks and 12 weeks after planting,

reached an optimum production of 1.2 t/ha and 1.3 t/ha, respectively, in mid-July and late

August, after that re-growth declined. Cutting Overberg oats 10 weeks after planting gave an

optimum re-growth of 2.1 t/ha early July, and after that it decline. The first cut after 14 weeks

resulted in an optimum re-growth of 2.2 t/ha in late August/September. After that it declined, but

not as low as in the other cutting treatments.

According to results in Figure 3.1.1.3, LS 35 rye that was cut initially after 8 weeks; 12 weeks

and 14 weeks, resulted in an optimum production of 1.7 t/ha in mid/July; 1.5 t/ha in August/early

September and 2.8 t/ha and in August/early September respectively. After that re-growth did not

decline drastically. Cutting LS 35 rye, 10 weeks after planting gave an optimum re-growth of 2.1

t/ha in late June, after that it decline to zero at the end of September.


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R2 = 0.9318

R2 = 0.9917

R2 = 0.2094

R2 = 0.8578

0

0.51

1.5

2

2.53

3.5


Cutting dates

t/h

a

Ct 8Ct 10Ct 12Ct 14Poly. (Ct 8)Poly. (Ct 10)Poly. (Ct 12)Poly. (Ct 14)

Figure 3.1.1.2: The influence of cutting treatment on the re-growth of Overberg oats, planted on

05 April 2007

R2 = 0.9999

R2 = 0.9956

R2 = 0.2301

R2 = 0.9488

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

3.5


Cutting dates

t/h

a

Ct 8

Ct 10

Ct 12

Ct 14

Poly. (Ct 8)

Poly. (Ct 10)

Poly. (Ct 12)

Poly. (Ct 14)

Figure 3.1.1.3: The influence of cutting treatment on the re-growth of LS 35 rye, planted on 05

April 2007.

R2 = 0.9997

R2 = 0.9214

R2 = 0.6526

R2 = 0.9967

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

3.5


Cutting dates

t/h

a

Ct 8

Ct 10

Ct 12

Ct 14

Poly. (Ct 8)

Poly. (Ct 10)

Poly. (Ct 12)

Poly. (Ct 14)


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Figure 3.1.1.4: The influence of cutting treatment on the re-growth of LS 62 stooling rye, planted

on 05 April 2007.

According to results in Figure 3.1.1.4, LS 62 stooling rye did not reach an optimum re-growth

(3.5 t/ha) before October. The production trend was the highest (3.0 t/ha in October) at the Ct 14

treatment. This increasing growth trend continued until spring. It is an indication of a late

mature, long growing season cultivars. The re-production growth was lower (maximum 1.5 t/ha

to 2.0 t/ha) at the other cutting treatments.

R2 = 0.9827

R2 = 0.9604

R2 = 0.8473

R2 = 0.9455

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

3.5


Cutting dates

t/h

a

Ct 8

Ct 10

Ct 12

Ct 14

Poly. (Ct 8)

Poly. (Ct 10)

Poly. (Ct 12)

Poly. (Ct 14)

Figure 3.1.1.5: The influence of cutting treatment on the re-growth of Cloc 1 triticale, planted on

05 April 2007.

According to results in Figure 3.1.1.5 Cloc, 1 triticale cut 8 weeks and 12 weeks after planting

reached an optimum re-growth of 1.4 t/ha (mid-July) and 1.5 t/ha (mid-August), respectively.

After that, re-growth declined. Cutting Cloc 1 triticale, 14 weeks after planting gave an optimum

re-growth of 2.5 t/ha in late August. It could be as high as 3.1 t/ha. After that re-growth declined.

The same cultivar cut for the first time 10 weeks after planting reached an optimum production

of 1.8 t/ha in early July, with a drastic decline in re-growth towards spring.

3.2. Nooitgedacht Results

Table 2.The average monthly DM Production (t/ha) of the five winter fodder crops, planted 2nd

February 2007, at Nooitgedacht (Mpumulanga).


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Cultivars Cutting Treatments Average for

Cultivars First Cut Second

Cut

Third Cut Forth Cut Fifth Cut

Witteberg

Overberg

LS 35

LS 62

Cloc 1

0.245

0.683

1.936

1.300

0.218

0.277

0.196

0.625

0.637

0.543

4.773

3.479

5.145

6.477

5.589

0.624

1.098

0.662

0.287

0.581

0.310

0.419

0.000

0.000

0.000

1.248a

1.175a

1.674a

1.740a

1.385a

Averages 0.87b 0.45b 5.08a 0.64b 0.14b

LSD

Cultivars0.889

Cultivars0.889

* First Ct on the 03rd July; Second Ct on the 31st July; Third Ct on the 28th August; Fourth Ct

on the 25th September and Fifth Ct on the 23rd October 2007

According to Table 2, LS 35 stooling rye and LS 62 stooling rye showed had the highest DM

production (1.93 and 1.30 t/ha) during the first cut, which did not differ significantly from that of

the other three cultivars (P≤0.001). During the second cut the two stooling rye cultivars (LS 35,

LS 62) and Cloc 1 triticale had the highest DM production (0.62, 0.63 and 0.54 t/ha). It did not

differ significantly (P≤0.001) from each other, but was significantly higher than that of

Witteberg and Overberg oats. During the third cut, LS 62 stooling rye had the highest DM

production, which was significantly higher (P≤0.001) than that of all other cultivars. During the

fourth cut, the production did not differ significantly (P≤0.122) from each other. Overberg oats

produced the highest (1.09 t/ha), while the production of the other four cultivars varied between

0.28 and 0.66 t/ha. During the fifth cut, LS 35 rye and LS 62 stooling rye and Cloc 1 triticale had

no re-growth. Overberg oats produced 0.419 t/ha. It was significantly higher (P≤0.001) than the

0.31 t/ha of Witteberg oats.

Table 3: The total DM Production (t/ha) of the five winter fodder crops at the Nooitgedacht

ADC.

Cultivars DM production

(t/ha)

LS 62 stooling rye 8.701 a

LS 35 rye 8.368 a

Cloc 1 triticale 6.930 b

Witteberg oats 6.169 bc

Overberg oats 5.804 c

LSD (P< 0.001) 0.8895

CV % 7.8 %


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The total DM production of LS 62 stooling rye and LS 35 rye (8.70 and 8.368 t/ha, respectively)

did not differ significantly from each, but was significantly higher than the rest. Cloc 1 triticale

(6.93 t/ha) produced significantly higher than Overberg oats (5.804 t/ha), but not significantly

higher than Witteberg oats (6.169 t/ha). According to Table 3, LS 62 stooling rye produced the

highest, (8.70 t/ha). That was because of the relative high production of the first cut (3 July) and

the high production of re-growth in 31st July.

4.Nutritional Value of the five winter fodder crops

The nutritional value of the winter fodder crops planted in April 2007 on Dewageningsdriftis

shown in Table 4.

Table 4. The nutritional value (ADF %, NDF % and CP %) of the five winter fodder crops

at different regrowth stages, planted in April, at Dewageningsdrift.

Cultivars Cutting

Treatments ADF % NDF % Crude protein %

Witteberg

oats

8 weeks

10 weeks

12 weeks

14 weeks Matured

23.07

-

22.41

22.81 31.32

44.37

-

39.21

39.46 52.52

11.63

-

8.62

18.34 20.02

Average 24.90 43.89 14.65

Overberg

oats

8 weeks 10 weeks

12 weeks

14 weeks

Matured

20.65 19.85

24.49

21.44

37.28

34.74 32.28

39.83

38.45

51.51

12.39 12.02

19.70

14.82

9.19

Average 24.74 39.36 13.62

LS 35 rye

8 weeks

10 weeks

12 weeks 14 weeks

Matured

-

27.77

29.52 25.43

24.91

-

43.54

48.24 44.03

39.76

-

18.36

13.74 11.53

19.71

Average 26.91 43.96 15.84

LS 62

stooling rye

8 weeks 10 weeks

12 weeks

14 weeks Matured

25.34 26.64

27.79

22.95 36.66

36.76 38.53

44.93

37.86 56.83

17.71 22.03

22.64

15.91 12.37

Average 27.88 42.98 18.13

Cloc 1

triticale

8 weeks

10 weeks 12 weeks

14 weeks

Matured

26.00

- 25.38

25.75

-

39.70

- 43.53

43.63

-

14.14

- 15.18

20.87

-


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Average 25.71 42.29 16.72

NB: The nutritional values of some treatments are not shown in the table due to the fact that they

were destroyed in a fire, during the drying process

The CP % of Witteberg oats tends to be higher in a more matured stage (18.34 % at Ct 14 and

20.02 % in a matured stage). Overberg oats showed the same trend although lower in the

reproductive stage. The CP % of LS 35 stooling rye was on average 15.84 %, with a high 19.71

% in the matured stage and only 11.5 % at Ct 14. The average CP % of LS 62 stooling rye was

18.13 % (range 15.91 % to 22.64 %) with an expected lower CP % in the matured stage (12.37

%).

Cloc 1 triticale was the most affected by the fire in the oven, but the CP % varied between 14.14

% and 20.87 %.

The ADF % of all five fodder cops were below 30 %, when cut 14 weeks after planting (Ct 14)

or earlier. The ADF % of LS35 rye, in the matured stage, was still 24.9 %, while that of the other

crops were above 31 %, which is still good quality. The ADF % of two oats cultivars was on

average the lowest (24.74 % and 24.9 %).

The NDF % of all five fodder cops were below 46 %, when cut 14 weeks after planting (Ct 14)

or earlier, except LS 35 stooling rye at Ct 12 (48.24 %). Values of lower than 46 % can be

described as very good. During the matured stage the NDF % of four of the fodder crops (except

LS 35 stooling rye) was between 50 % and 57 %, which is still classified as medium quality.

5.SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

5.1Summary of the performance of the five winter growing fodder crops at

Dewageningsdrift.

According to Table 1 Cloc1triticale was the highest producer especially when cut later than 12

July (Ct 14) and in the reproduction stage. Its illustrate further that the six weekly re-growth rate

of the Ct 14 treatment was the highest and lasted until 18th October. This cultivar can thus be

described as a late winter/spring producer.

LS 62 stooling rye was the second highest producer (Table 1) clearly produced higher when it

was cut on 12th July (Ct 14). This cultivar is also a late winter/spring cultivar.

Although earlier initial defoliation (grazing) can be considered, but with at a lower reproduction

rate obtained.The Witteberg oats growth rate followed the same production trend as Cloc 1

triticale and LS 62 stooling rye (late winter/spring production), when defoliated on the 28th June

(Ct 12). The re-growth rate was lower but the production period continued longer. It can be


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grazed later the than 18th October.LS 35 stooling rye produced on average (all cutting

treatment), 3.38 t/ha (Table 1). It is the only cultivar that produced above 3.0 t/ha of re-growth.

This cultivar can thus be described as an early winter/spring producer.

Overberg oats was the lowest producer (2.62 t/ha on average). A combination of Overberg oats

planted in April and defoliation at 10 weeks and 14 weeks can supply fodder (at a relative low

production rate) from May to October (full season).

A final option to produce maximum fodder for the longest period in winter will be to plant and

utilize the following cultivars:

1. Overberg oats and/or LS 35 rye to be utilized from 10 weeks after planting.

2. Witteberg oats and/or LS 35 rye to be utilized from 14 weeks after planting onwards for winter

fodder (July to September).

3. Cloc1 triticaleand/or LS 62 stooling rye to be utilized from 14 weeks onwards for late

winter/spring fodder (September to October).

LS 62 stooling rye and Cloc 1 triticale were on average the highest producers (above 6.0 t/ha)

when defoliated initially 14 weeks after planting. On average, this defoliation treatment (Ct 14)

resulted in the highest production for all cultivars.

Planted in April LS 62 stooling rye and Cloc 1 triticale can be described a late winter/spring

producing cultivars. Earlier utilization/defoliation (Ct 12) of LS 62 stooling rye can be

considered, although with a lower production.

When defoliated in June (Ct 12), Witteberg oats followed the same production trend than Cloc 1

triticale and LS 62 stooling rye and that is late winter/spring production. The re-growth rate was

lower but the production period longer until the 18th October.

LS 35 stooling rye produced the lowest re-growth (±3.0 t/ha), but it was available late

winter/spring.

Defoliating Overberg oats earlier (10 weeks after planting) made it a mid-winter growing

cultivar. When defoliation started later (after 14 weeks) it became a spring producer.

5.2 Summary of the performance of the five winter growing fodder crops at Nooitgedacht

ADC.


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The two stooling rye cultivars (LS 35 and LS 62) were the highest producers, followed by Cloc 1

triticale andWitteberg and Overberg oats, while Witteberg oats and LS 62 stooling rye were best

producers on Dewageningsdrift. LS 35 stooling rye and Cloc 1 triticale produced relatively high

when planted earlier (April)

Under the cool climate of Nooitgedacht ADC, Mpumalanga, the two stooling rye cultivars could

be classified as early to mid-winter producers, Cloc1 triticale and Witteberg oats as mid-winter

producers and Overberg oats as a late winter producer.

5.3 Summary of the nutritional value of the five winter fodder crops.

The fact that the nutritional value of temperate species is better than that of sub-tropical species

is well documented in the literature and also visible in the results in this study. In general it can

be concluded that livestock will gain weight on all five winter fodder crops. There is a tendency

that the nutritional values were lower in the matured stage, but still good enough to maintain

animal weight.The two oats cultivars tend to be of lower quality in the younger stage, but still

good enough to maintain animal weight.

The acid detergent fiber (ADF %) of all five cultivars was below 30%, in a young stage. During

the matured stage the ADF % of LS 62 stooling, Witteberg and Overberg raised higher than 30

%. The neutral detergent fiber (NDF %) of all five cultivars was below 45 % in the young stage.

During the matured stage the NDF % of LS 62 stooling, Witteberg and Overberg oats became

higher than 50 %.

The crude protein content was in most cases above 14 %, except Witteberg and Overberg oats, in

a young stage, and Overberg oats and LS 62 stooling rye in a matured stage,These high

nutritional values are indicators that animals grazing this winter fodder will be able to gain

weight.

6. RECOMMENDATIONS

Planting dates and two different localities did influence the time of optimum production of five

winter fodder crops, as indicated in Table 5.

According to the information in Table 4, the following suggestions in terms of planting dates, for

optimum production during winter, can be made:

1)LS 35 stooling rye and Overberg oats planted early (February to April) can act as mid-winter

producers on both localities, Cloc 1 triticale reacted like that on Nooitgedacht alone.


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2) The following planting dates can be recommended for different cultivars to become late-

winter producers:

LS 35 stooling rye and Overberg oats planted early

o April can act as Mid-winter producers.

o LS 62 stooling rye and witteberg oats planted early April can act as Spring producers

o LS 35 and 62 stooling ryes and Cloc 1 triticale planted early April can act as Late

winter/spring producers

Table 5: The impact of planting date on the optimum production period of the different

winter fodder cultivars.

Species Cultivar Locality Planting

date

Mid-

winter

growth

Late

winter/

Spring

growth

Spring

Growth

Stooling

rye

LS 35 Nooitgedacht, Cool* February X

Dewageningsdrift,

Warmer

April X X

LS 62 Nooitgedacht, Cool* February X

Dewageningsdrift,

Warmer

April X X

Oats Overberg Nooitgedacht, Cool* February X

Dewageningsdrift,

Warmer

April X

Witteberg Nooitgedacht, Cool* February X

Dewageningsdrift,

Warmer

April X


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Triticale Cloc 1 Nooitgedacht, Cool* February X

Dewageningsdrift,

Warmer

April X

REFERENCES

Anon. 2004. Livestock Production in South Africa

Bruckner P L, Raymer PL. 1990. “Factors Influencing Species and Cultivar Choice of Small

Grains for Winter Forage.” J. Prod. Agric. 3: 349–355.

Dannhauser CS 1991. The management of cultivated pasture in the summer rainfall areas. First

adition, Warmbath.

Fick GW and Mueller SC. 1989. Alfalfa quality, maturity, and mean stage of Development.

Cornell University Information Bulletin 217.

Kalu BA and Fick GW.1983. Morphological stage of development as a predictor of alfalfa

herbage quality. Crop Science 23: 1167-1172.

Payne RW, Murray DA, Baird DB, Soutar DM. 2009. GenStat® for Windows™ 12th Edition

Introduction.VSN International, UK.

Pretorious P, King LC. 1976. Overview of the status of the Agricultural resources of South

Africa.Van Soest PJ. 1965. Symposium on factors influencing the voluntary intake of herbage

by ruminants. Voluntary intake in relation to chemical composition and digestibility. J. of Anim.

Sci. 24: 834-843.

Van Zyl EA. 2006. Dry matter yield nutritional value of companion crops, intercropped with

maize, for grazing purposes in north-western KwaZulu-Natal. South

Africa.Www.Worldbank.org/wbi/governace.2002.

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EFFECTS OF CUTTING STAGES ON RE-GROWTH DRY MATTER